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If Larue's only problem was the passed balls I might live with him at catcher. He got several catching the knuckleball and, if he could hit, I might live with this. But his only real attribute is his throwing arm and the Reds' lineup needs a stronger catcher. Other than pitching, getting a new starting catcher is the number one offseason priority in my view. Unless the Reds decide that Miller can be a starter I think they really need to acquire a new catcher.

Larue doesn't have a lot of trade value, and would probably be a throw in on any trade. The Reds need a catcher. I would not even be opposed to a guy like Joe Girardi, who can handle and stabalize a pitching staff and give you a clutch hit from time to time. Whoever they might go after, I would hope it would be someone who can handle a pitching staff and call a good game. And, of course, catch the baseball.

Rodriguez has too many miles on him at age 31. He is in a similar stage as Bench was in his career. The knees were starting to bother him and the Reds ended up moving him to 3rd base, which was worse yet.

Montreal has two fine catchers in Marty Barrett and the left-handed swinging Schenider. If the Reds could get either one along with a pitcher like Tony Armas, that would be a good deal.

What you are saying about Rodriguez is the Rodriguez in the past. The injuries are starting to catch up with him after catching all those innings over the years. What he will ask for as a free agent and the risk involved isn't worth the Reds to pursue given their tight budget and the need for starting pitching.

LaRue is a backup on most of the other MLB rosters. But, for some reason, LaRue is starting over Miller, even Stinnet for that fact. Like Krusty says, I just want a good defensive catcher, that can bat .250. LaRue is certainly NOT that.

Don't forget to add that he never had more than 465 AB's in a season after that too... or that he was 29 in 1977 and that he never had more than 20 2b's after 77 or that he only had more than 120 hits once in his last 6 years.

All because he by the age of 30 he had caught 1600 games.

Ivan = Pass and that doesn't include the fact that he doesn't fit in our "budget'.

Just like Rolen and Sosa and Maddox and Castillo and every other high priced FA vet.

Krusty, I really disagree with you on this one. As Larkin gets older, with the prospect of a weaker hitting shortstop, we should have a catcher who can hold his own hitting 7th or maybe even 6th in the lineup. Upgrading Larue does not only mean less passed balls. It means a decent offensive player.

Larue's strikeouts to walks ratio is a disgrace. He is toast against a breaking pitch low and outside. If you go with a receiver who can't hit, the bottom of the order becomes an easy target. I know a middle of the order catcher is hard to get, but a solid .260 guy with some strike zone judgment is necessary.

Somebody suggested a deal with Montreal. Looks like the Reds may match up well with them.

Larue has trade value. He's the best catcher in baseball at throwing out basestealers. He's, at worst, an average hitting catcher. He's got some power, and drives in runs. He's a bit of a clutch hitter. His PB's are abysmal, but if 10 is average(?), and considering a number came with Fernandez, is 20 really costing us so much? Certainly not enough to say he has no trade value. We will not get Rodriquez. It would be a ridiculous signing for a small market team.

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